MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – If you think that Maria Ressa is the only person crying “suppression of free speech,” think again.

Employees of the Supreme Court of the Philippines are waging a similar protest following a directive from newly-appointed Chief Justice Lucas Purugganan Bersamin banning the use of cell phones during office hours.

Court personnel from Batanes to Jolo have criticized the directive, saying that it tramples on their right to free speech.

”Cell phones are indispensable to the exercise of our right to express our views and sentiments, as well as to the free flow of uncensored information.

The employees told The Adobo Chronicles that it is unfair that all other government employees are free to use their cell phones to talk to friends and family, as well as to check their Facebook and Twitter accounts during office hours, and they now can’t.